Chapter 2: Fire in Her Veins
Elara became known as the loud baker's daughter.
She spoke against unfair laws. She rallied merchants. She refused to bow.
Alaric, raised to command, found her defiance infuriating.
And unforgettable.
Every council report mentioned her name.
Every public appearance, her eyes found his—challenging.
"Why do you provoke him?" her father asked.
"Because he needs to hear the truth," Elara replied.
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